Weddings for Real

225

Weddings for Real is the go-to podcast for high-achievers in the hospitality industry who’ve checked all the boxes of success but are craving something more—more ease, more alignment, more realness. Hosted by Megan Gillikin, a former wedding planner turned educator and recovering people-pleaser, this podcast dives deep into the unlearning required to build a business (and a life) that actually feels good.From navigating burnout and boundaries to redefining success and shedding old narratives, each episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and the occasional wedding industry war story. If you're ready to lead, live, and work on your own terms, you’re in the right place.Let’s keep it real.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • 7germ
    A favorite!
    As a wedding venue owner, I enjoy listening to Megan. I have learned a lot of valuable tips and tools that I have implemented in my business! And she has the best voice… So enjoyable to listen to!
  • Alp13q
    Coaching (and podcasting) with a Passion
    Megan is REAL!!
  • Red Velvet Collective
    A listen must for planners!
    This podcast has been so crucial in the success of growing my wedding planning business! I listen every single week and I always leave with actionable to dos and steps, no fluff! I have learned so much listening to this podcast and highly recommend to anyone in the industry!
  • StephAdamo
    Amazing Podcast!
    I LOVE this podcast so much because there’s always value and education in every episode. If you’re in the wedding industry definitely follow Megan, she’s the best!
  • Sac91696
    Just like an old friend
    Weddings for Real has been an invaluable resource throughout my wedding planning journey. The podcast dives deep into the behind-the-scenes of the wedding industry, offering practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert insights that have helped me grow as a planner. Each episode feels like a conversation with a mentor, providing tips that I’ve been able to apply directly to my business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the wedding world!
  • Dusty Reed
    Actually helpful tips!
    Almost every episode I’ve listened to I found myself needing to pause and take notes. I’ve gotten so many helpful, tangible tips I’ve implemented throughout my wedding business. So hard to find that type of free education in this industry, this pod is a gem!
  • Lilana Jaine
    Absolutely recommend for Wedding Pros
    Megan gives such invaluable advice to her listeners surrounding the wedding business, along with incredible guests! As a wedding hair and makeup artist, I love tuning in each week to Megan’s Podcast as I know I will learn something new every episode. - Susan Talamantes CEO of Jireh Artistry
  • Sdixon825
    Keeping me grounded
    I sincerely love Megan, there’s so much good information in these episodes and you don’t even have to be a planner. I own a venue and find this podcast so helpful. There are times where you second guess yourself as a business owner and Megan helps to curb the crazy thoughts and affirm you’ve made the right decisions.
  • Ksasharp
    Amazing insight into the wedding industry
    Weddings For Real with Megan is a must-listen! Her direct yet loving approach challenges your wedding norms, adding fun and amazing insights. Megan's humor and genuine discussions make every episode a gem. I can hear her in my head, “I say this with love…..”.
  • MMMMZombies
    Like For Realz!
    Megan’s approach to podcasting is honest, authentic and exactly the right balance of fun and tough love. In short, she keeps it REAL. If you haven’t, go listen to her summer series “Life for Real” - I promise it’ll 🤯. So good! Whether you are a planner, a florist, a photographer, officiant, etc., you want, nope - NEED - to make Megan’s podcast one of your go tos!
  • Lynette @ LTE
    Not just for planners!
    Megan shows up with the most amazing content!! One of the reasons we attended Wedding MBA was because she was presenting….and she did not disappoint! Her positive and encouraging podcast episodes offer actionable items that help you reach your business goals!!
  • Some random personified person
    Episode 252
    I laughed at the end of this episode. Jason is hilarious! Nicely done, Renee Dallio.
  • Meg Simone
    Always great takeaways!
    Authentic, engaging and genuine conversations, I learn something new with each episode. There are always great takeaways! As a trusted industry thought leader I look forward to Megan’s conversations and insights.
  • In Good Company PR
    A dynamic and diverse platform
    Weddings For Real is sensational - Megan approaches her show from a place for genuine curiosity and knowledge sharing. Tune in!
  • PattyDif
    Great for all wedding vendors!
    I really love this show! I’m a wedding cake baker and a lot of Megan’s advice can be applied not only to wedding planners, but to all types of vendors in the wedding industry. Her blog number 249 got my wheels spinning on ways to gain referrals. Megan gave examples of many vendors in the wedding industry including bakers! I love, love, love this episode! Binge worthy podcast for wedding professionals.
  • Mae Kay
    The show every wedding pro needs
    I have loved listening to this podcast and all of Megan and her guests’ advice. As a designer who’s parallel to the wedding industry, much of this content has helped me to grow my business. Megan brings such peace and eloquence to each episode - she truly feels like a friend and coach to business owners. Her realness in sharing her story and behind the scenes is affirming and comforting. Thank you Megan for inspiring so many with this content!
  • Lkopans
    She give you a gentle push
    Megan’s voice and phrases are so kind you almost don’t notice how hard she’s pushing you. It’s bc she believes in you. Thanks Megan! I’ve learned a lot.
  • regina faith
    Love this podcast
    I’ve listened to several wedding industry podcasts over the years and have never really found one I loved…. until now. I learn something new every time I listen, and I’m also reminded that I’m not in this alone! I own a live music company, and sometimes it feels like our experiences are not common to other vendors. However, every time I listen, I am reminded that we all experience the same things….just in different ways, and it’s funny and comforting at the same time. Thanks, Megan, for providing valuable and entertaining content.
  • Patty Canizalez
    Binge-listen worthy for wedding pros!
    I recently discovered Megan and her podcast and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it!! As a wedding photographer based in North Carolina, I love that I can learn from someone who has been and thrives in the industry not only locally, but even internationally. Thank you Megan for all the valuable resources you’re sharing to help other wedding pros succeed!🙌🏽
  • K_Robs1430
    Amazing content for weddings pros
    As a Venue Director in the wedding industry I look to this podcast for insight and inspiration on how to better do my role. Meghan shares great nuggets of advice and her guests have a wide range of knowledge, making each episode informative! Thanks for the great content!
  • rachaelaletheia
    Feels like having coffee with a long lost bestie!
    I discovered Megan’s podcast this past spring/summer when road-tripping between Illinois and Florida. I was hunting for new wedding pro business podcasts (I’m a photographer) and was drawn in by the title (give me all REAL!) & immediately was hooked. I binged episode after episode on my 2-day drive and arrived home an avid fan! Listening to Megan chat with guests or recount stories felt like grabbing coffee with a long-lost friend. She’s warm, authentic, relatable, and offers sage advice for navigating the world of real weddings and small business ownership - with a dash of humor tossed in (go find the episode where she had to toss a bridesmaid out! I was cringing and laughing right along with her like I was there). It’s a rare gift in podcasting to find someone whose genuine warmth comes through the audio, but Megan’s does. I recommend her podcast to all my friends - this is my go-to listen when I wind down from a busy weekend of weddings. Keep up the great work, Megan - we need a book of your etiquette advice for wedding pros next!!!
  • jenlow120
    One of my favorite podcasts
    I love how Megan keeps it real, brings on people who know there stuff, and stays focused on the things that truly make an impact in your wedding biz. To me too many people skirt around the scary stuff that Megan isn’t afraid to dive in on! This podcast is great for education and motivation alike!
  • K&SID
    Still my favorite industry podcast!!!
    The information is SO helpful! I’ve been listening to Megan’s podcast for a long time and I love it! Each episode is always full of helpful information for my business and personal life too. I learn something new and feel that I’m. It alone every time I listen. Thank you Megan!
  • LJEvents
    Episode 183 is genius!
    I wish I had listened to this episode before I stacked 175 chairs, bused tables and took my bride to the floral wholesaler this weekend. No wonder I’m attracting low paying clients, I don’t value myself. Why would they value me!
  • Dpedi
    So much helpful content!
    There is so much helpful content in this podcast! I love all of the different topics. Megan is so easy to listen to.
  • WKUNUNU
    My Favorite Wedding Pro Podcast
    Weddings for Real provides insightful and actionable insight for wedding pros. It's my go-to for staying up to-date with the wedding industry. I met Megan at several industry conferences, and she's event sweeter and just as genuine as she comes across on the podcast. Highly recommend it!
  • thisnameisavailable
    Best. Wedding. Podcast
    WFR Podcast is the absolute BEST podcast if you’re a wedding professional or an aspiring wedding professional. This podcast is PACKED with helpful, actionable information in EACH and every episode. After starting this podcast and joining The Planners Vault my confidence in the industry has sky rocketed. Before listening to the podcast and joining PV I was struggling to book clients or even get a few leads. And that’s no longer an issue now!! Highly suggest this podcast and joining The Planners Vault when the vault opens again!
  • lisanity13
    Megan is such a gem
    This podcast and Megan are both such gems. She has this kindness about her when approaching the topics and makes you feel comfortable and takeaways doable. You can’t help but feel energized and refreshed after listening to the episodes.
  • RachelBeer
    I love this podcast!
    I was told about this podcast early this year and I have been hooked from the start! I think I have listening to every episode now! In each episode, I love Megan’s energy and her wide range of guests. I love hearing the guests’ perspective of the wedding industry and implementing their pieces of advice into my own business!
  • SarahMcMahon44
    One of my favorite podcasts!
    I love this podcast! As a wedding and event planner I find each episode interesting and applicable with bite size pieces of advice I can apply to my business immediately. Thank you, Megan!
  • BroadwayDreams20
    It’s the Realest S***
    I absolutely love this podcast! It is the completely real side to having a wedding planning business and it’s so nice to know that I’m not the only one who struggled starting out. I have learned so many things that I have implemented into my business and this podcast has been one of the greatest resource that I have.
  • renniiboo
    Absolutely Priceless
    It’s been said that you are an average of the five people you hang out with most. Hanging out with Megan on her podcast has elevated every area of my life! From business practices to work life balance to social issues, listening to Weddings for Real is one of the most valuable tools I have come across. It is funny, insightful, educational, introspective, and everything in between. Megan is a wonderful interviewer and the guests she brings on the show provide so much insight into different facets of not just the wedding industry but business in general. The content is also incredibly relatable, so it gives me a place to feel seen, heard, and understood. Absolutely priceless.
  • Sharshar5
    A must hear podcast for anyone in the wedding industry
    What can I say - the moment I stumbled across Megan’s podcast I was immediately hooked. Megan and her guests are transparent, open, and most importantly honest. This industry is not for the faint at heart and hearing truth bombs that resígnate full heartedly and leave you feeling empowered to continue to carry on is so much more than recording words. Megan puts her heart into these interviews and it shows. Keep shining, rockstar. Kuddos to you for creating such a wonderful resource for us all.🌟
  • ImagineThisWeddings
    Great tools for all wedding planners!
    This podcast is so great to listen to whenever I feel myself getting off track with my wedding business. It really feels me in and makes me focus on the things that I need to. It’s great for business growth.
  • Karitsu
    Easy listening jam packed with actionable advice!
    I’m not usually someone who can just sit down and listen to a podcast. They tend to be background noise for me that is easy to tune out while I focus on something else. But Weddings for Real is different. Whether I’m driving across the metro, mowing the lawn, or just sitting on the couch at home, this podcast is so easy to listen to and every episode has at least one nugget of wisdom that sticks with me and some actionable advice I can use to improve my wedding business today. If you’re the owner of a wedding business, and especially if you’re a planner, you seriously NEED Weddings for Real in your life!
  • CEykelhoff
    Amazing!
    I started listening to Weddings For Real shorty after it began and about a year into my own business and what a game changer it’s been! Megan was one of the first planners to show me kindness when I started with a quick call to chat and I have learned so much and grown by business tenfold with every bit of advice this podcast gives!
  • Amanda Dworkin
    Much needed for new planners!
    As a new(ish) wedding planner, I’ve been trying to be a sponge as much as possible and soak up helpful tips and tricks from everywhere I can find them. I’ve listed to ALOT of wedding podcasts and WFR is by far the most helpful and relatable. Between the guests and Megan’s lessons, it’s very easy to absorb the info and put it immediately into action. WFR is definitely a must-listen for any wedding planners or wedding pro!
  • Cwoo001
    Best podcast for wedding pros
    I can binge listen to this podcast.
  • Gloria Schu,z
    So Many a Great Interviews!
    Megan has created an awesome podcast for those of us in the wedding industry. She is continually educating us by interviewing the best in the biz on her show. Having met Megan in person at a WIPA event in Atlanta, I was instantly drawn to her professionalism and her kindness. She exudes a passion that is contagious. I am grateful that I have her to look to for advice and guidance in building my own wedding and event planning business. Thanks, Megan!
  • CAmrencrazy
    Straightforward advice from a friendly professional
    Just discovered this podcast this morning…binged 4 episodes already! Started in the middle around episode 110. Megan, I also LOVE the book, StoryBrand!! Excited to get back to listening!
  • Anastasiia Photography
    The best wedding industry podcast
    Where has this podcast been all my life? I was introduced to Weddings For Real a few days ago and I think I’ve already binged 30 episodes. Megan is such a great host. She has actionable advice and asks her guests really good questions. You won’t find fluff here. The information that guests and her share is priceless. If you don’t have a business mentor I would come here for inspiration and tips on good business strategies. This podcast has everything you need to expand your mindset and learn.
  • Jillian Knight Photography
    Amazing podcast for creatives and wedding vendors!
    Some of the best business advice I have ever received has come from Megan. I love all of the tips and nuggets she weaves throughout her podcast episodes. Some of the episodes have made me laugh and others have made me cry (in a good way!). The episodes are always packed with good information and she always has wonderful guests on the show. The podcast is concise and well edited. Highly recommend this to any wedding professional or creative looking to elevate their business! I love Weddings For Real!
  • Adonis DJ,KW
    The guide to being a wedding pro
    Megan is such a brilliant person & she shows it with every episode. Her podcast is a great tool to hone in on your craft. She has episodes ranging on many different topics concerning weddings. This podcast is easy to listen to. Thank you for giving back in the way that you do.
  • Lucy Vinson
    Informative, Fun & Easy to Listen To
    Megan is brilliant! In WFR, Megan provides lighthearted support and mentorship to wedding industry pros. Her episodes are filled with actionable content, and I leave each episode feeling motivated, excited and rejuvenated. Thank you Megan for all you share through Weddings for Real! Keep the episodes coming!
  • ehkoehko
    Fun, Engaging, & Educational
    Megan pours her heart into everything she does. This podcast is another example of that! Any time I need a booster or pick me up, I can come to this podcast and receive that plus so much more. I love all the guests, but the most valuable tips and tricks come from Megan's solo episodes. She is raw, honest, and authentic and it becomes a mini coaching session with actionable steps I can start working on before the episode is over. Thanks for giving back to us the way you do!
  • libstults
    The BEST podcast for wedding planners
    I’ve been listening to Megan on Weddings for Real for years now, and I’ve taken something valuable away from every. single. episode. The topics are so relevant to both wedding planning and business in general, the guests are informative, and Megan’s delivery and personality make me look forward to every new show! Highly recommend!
  • Events by Evelyn
    Amazing Content
    Hello, I’m a planner in Charlotte where I feel the market is saturated however, since joining The Planners Vault and now taping into Weddings For Real has really open my eyes to be unique and standout from the crowd. Yes, it takes hard work and daily motivation but in order to do it right and succeed you need guidance and the tools. Weddings For Real has definitely been that tool for me. Congratulations on reaching 3 years and the many planners and business owners you’ve reached across your platform. I’m looking forward to the future !
  • HA Wedding Planner
    Valuable Content
    I am a newer business owner, and I get so excited when a new podcast comes out. I take notes and then take a few minutes after listening and see how I can apply the information I just heard to my business. The content is so valuable and has brought my business to the next level. Megan takes time with her audience to give then the tools they need to succeed. I am so thankful for this podcast it has taught me so much AND made me money :) Best of both worlds. These are a must-listen.
  • rebekahpf
    Very helpful for planners!
    Megan always has relevant, helpful information in her podcasts. Being a real wedding planner, she has so much insight into what goes on and most likely walked through the scenarios you are walking through. The information and guests are timely and so helpful. I look forward to listening to each one.
  • spadebean
    Required Listening for All Planners
    I had to listen to my first episode again just so I could take notes! Seriously helpful and valuable information for any wedding pro, both from Megan and her guests.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.